Tag: boxing

Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol 2, Joseph Parker vs. Martin Bakole Live Results & Highlights

The “fight card of the century” goes down today in Riyadh, topped by Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol’s undisputed championship rematch. MMA News has you covered with all the action! A stacked lineup is set for Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom Arena on Saturday, February 22. In the headlining act, Beterbiev and Bivol will run back their […]

The “fight card of the century” goes down today in Riyadh, topped by Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol’s undisputed championship rematch. MMA News has you covered with all the action!

A stacked lineup is set for Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom Arena on Saturday, February 22. In the headlining act, Beterbiev and Bivol will run back their undisputed light heavyweight title fight from last October.

First time around, the 40-year-old Russian-Canadian fell on the right side of a highly debated majority decision verdict. Bivol will now have his eyes on redemption after having his previously undefeated record blemished.

Before they go to battle, the co-main event will see Joseph Parker and Martin Bakole collide on just days’ notice. The New Zealander was originally slated to challenge IBF Heavyweight Champion Daniel Dubois before the Brit fell ill during fight week.

The card will also see title defenses for Shakur Stevenson, Carlos Adames, Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Joshua Buatsi.

With today’s event underway, see below for live results, followed by all the highlights as they come.

Beterbiev vs. Bivol 2 Results & Highlights

Fight Card (10:30 AM ET, DAZN/PPV.com):

  • Undisputed Light Heavyweight Championship Main Event: Artur Beterbiev (C) vs. Dmitry Bivol
  • Heavyweight Co-Main Event: Joseph Parker vs. Martin Bakole
  • WBC Lightweight Championship: Shakur Stevenson (C) vs. Josh Padley
  • WBC Middleweight Championship: Carlos Adames (C) vs. Hamzah Sheeraz
  • WBC Interim Super Welterweight Championship: Vergil Ortiz Jr. (C) vs. Israil Madrimov 
  • Vacant WBC Interim Heavyweight Championship: Zhilei Zhang vs. Agit Kabayel
  • WBO Interim Light Heavyweight Championship: Joshua Buatsi (C) vs. Callum Smith

Terence Crawford Nearly Throws Punches at R&B Star Trey Songz but 50 Cent Saved the Day

Terence Crawford Nearly Throws Punches at R&B Star Trey Songz but 50 Cent Saved the DayWorld champion boxer ‘Bud’ Terence Crawford recently disclosed a tense encounter with R&B star Trey Songz that nearly escalated…

Terence Crawford Nearly Throws Punches at R&B Star Trey Songz but 50 Cent Saved the Day

World champion boxer ‘Bud’ Terence Crawford recently disclosed a tense encounter with R&B star Trey Songz that nearly escalated into a physical altercation. The incident Crawford described as involving the artist’s “audacious” behavior, occurred in a public setting but ultimately did not lead to violence.

Terence Crawford vs. Trey Songz

Terence Crawford, known for his calm demeanor, recounted that the situation tested his patience. He recently shared details about a heated encounter with R&B star Trey Songz during a celebrity basketball event hosted by rapper 50 Cent. The altercation began when Trey Songz challenged Crawford to a $100 jump-shooting contest. After Crawford made his shot and Songz missed, tensions flared when the singer refused to pay up and began antagonizing the boxing champion.

50 Cent?

Crawford recalled being taken aback by Songz’s audacious behavior, even questioning if the singer was under the influence. As the situation escalated, 50 Cent intervened to defuse the conflict, preventing what could have been a physical altercation. Terence Crawford humorously recounted warning Songz to “go over there and start singing to somebody.”

This story comes as Crawford continues to prepare for a potential super-fight against Mexican boxing icon Canelo Álvarez later this year. The bout, tentatively scheduled for September, would see two of boxing’s pound-for-pound greats face off in what is expected to be one of the sport’s biggest events.

Terence Crawford

‘Bud’ Terence Crawford is an undefeated American professional boxer widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of his generation. A three-division world champion, Crawford has held multiple titles across lightweight, junior welterweight, and welterweight divisions, including becoming the first male boxer to simultaneously hold all four major world titles (WBA, WBC, IBF, and WBO) in two different weight classes.

Known for his exceptional fight IQ, versatility in switching stances, and knockout power, Crawford boasts a pristine 41-0 record with 31 wins by knockout. His career highlights include becoming the undisputed junior welterweight champion in 2017 and achieving undisputed status in the welterweight division by defeating Errol Spence Jr. in 2023.

MMA Great Cris Cyborg Returns to the Boxing Ring for International Showdown in Colombia

MMA Great Cris Cyborg Returns to the Boxing Ring for International Showdown in ColombiaCris Cyborg is set to return to professional boxing with an international bout in Colombia. She is one of…

MMA Great Cris Cyborg Returns to the Boxing Ring for International Showdown in Colombia

Cris Cyborg is set to return to professional boxing with an international bout in Colombia. She is one of the most accomplished fighters in combat sports history. Known for her dominance across multiple disciplines and for collecting MMA world titles in Bellator, the PFL, Invicta, Strikeforce, and the UFC.

Cris Cyborg

The Brazilian fighter Cris Cyborg’s journey began in 2005 with MMA, where she quickly rose to prominence. A defining moment came in 2009 when she defeated Gina Carano to become the Strikeforce Women’s Featherweight Champion, marking a turning point for women’s MMA.

Cris Cyborg2

In addition to her MMA success, Cyborg has ventured into other combat sports. She competed in Muay Thai against elite fighters like Jorina Baars and showcased her striking power. Her professional boxing career began in 2022 with victories over Simone Silva and Gabrielle Holloway. These wins demonstrated her adaptability and skills.

She is set for a return to the boxing ring later this year in Colombia, but no opponent or date has yet been confirmed. On Instagram, she shared: “Stepping back into the Boxing ring with an International fight in Colombia.”

cris cyborg1

Fans eagerly anticipate her upcoming fight in Colombia as she adds another chapter to her remarkable legacy.

Boxing Star Claressa Shields Fires Back at Critics: ‘Do Your Research!’ Amid Marijuana Suspension Controversy

Boxing Star Claressa Shields Fires Back at Critics: 'Do Your Research!' Amid Marijuana Suspension ControversyClaressa Shields, a 29-year-old US-born boxer and the only fighter to hold undisputed world titles in three weight classes,…

Boxing Star Claressa Shields Fires Back at Critics: 'Do Your Research!' Amid Marijuana Suspension Controversy

Claressa Shields, a 29-year-old US-born boxer and the only fighter to hold undisputed world titles in three weight classes, has been suspended by the Michigan Unarmed Combat Commission after testing positive for marijuana. The suspension follows an “oral fluid sample” collected after her February 3 victory over Danielle Perkins in Michigan, which revealed the presence of the banned substance.

Claressa Shields Suspension

Marijuana is prohibited in competition under World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules. The Michigan Commission stated that Claressa Shields’ actions pose a threat to the integrity of professional boxing, public interest, and athlete safety. The World Boxing Organization (WBO), which cannot impose suspensions, has requested Shields to provide an explanation through a “show cause” notice.

Claressa Shields 2

Meanwhile, the Michigan Commission is conducting its own investigation to determine if further disciplinary action is warranted. Shields addressed the situation on social media, asserting she is a “clean athlete.”

Claressa Shields

Her manager criticized the Michigan Commission’s statements as premature and harmful, suggesting second-hand smoke could be a factor in her positive test. Shields remains undefeated in her career and is widely regarded as one of boxing’s greatest athletes.

Claressa Shields

Online, Shields responded:

“This isn’t breaking. And it’s not a thinking face, it was marijuana, no PEDs. Also [Ariel Helwani] it’s a temporary suspension til I go to trial for the very petite amount. I’ve never smoked weed.

“On my soul can’t nobody tarnish my image. It’s a temporary suspension til I go to trial for this very small amount of marijuana. I’m not SUSPENDED from Boxing, I’m not stripped of my titles. I’m just waiting. Also I can’t defend a lie! Do your research!”

claressa shields1

“I bang you. No Diddy!” Says China’s Zhilei Zhang ahead of His Heavyweight Title Showdown

"I bang you. No Diddy!" Says China's Zhilei Zhang ahead of His Heavyweight Title ShowdownZhilei Zhang, the 41-year-old Chinese heavyweight known as “Big Bang,” is set to face Germany’s undefeated Agit Kabayel this…

"I bang you. No Diddy!" Says China's Zhilei Zhang ahead of His Heavyweight Title Showdown

Zhilei Zhang, the 41-year-old Chinese heavyweight known as “Big Bang,” is set to face Germany’s undefeated Agit Kabayel this Saturday, February 22, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The bout will determine the interim WBC heavyweight champion, a pivotal step for both fighters in their pursuit of global dominance in the division.

“Big Bang” Zhilei Zhang

Zhilei Zhang has a professional record of 27-2-1 (22 KOs). He has been a prominent figure in boxing, earning accolades such as an Olympic silver medal and a WBO interim heavyweight title. Despite a recent loss to Joseph Parker, Zhang rebounded with an emphatic fifth-round TKO victory over former world champion Deontay Wilder last June. His opponent, Kabayel, boasts an unblemished record of 25-0 (17 KOs) and enters the fight with momentum after notable wins over Arslanbek Makhmudov and Frank Sanchez.

Zhilei Zhang 1

In the lead-up to the fight, “Big Bang” Zhilei Zhang made headlines with his colorful remarks during a press conference. When asked about his approach to Kabayel, Zhang quipped, “I’m Big Bang. I bang you. No Diddy!” Which caused laughter in the press conference. Kabayel responded, “He will bang me? Saturday we will see, he bang me or I bang him.”

Zhang first gained international recognition by winning a silver medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, becoming the first Asian to medal in the unlimited weight class. In 2014, Zhang transitioned to professional boxing, making his debut in the United States.

I bang you. No Diddy Says Chinas Zhilei Zhang ahead of His Heavyweight Title Showdown 1

Standing at 6’6″ with an 80-inch reach and fighting as a southpaw, he quickly established himself as a formidable force in the heavyweight division. He captured the WBO Interim Heavyweight title in 2023 after defeating Joe Joyce via TKO and successfully defended it in a rematch with a decisive knockout.

The fight promises fireworks as both men are known for their punching power. With the interim WBC title on the line, the stakes are high for this clash of heavyweights on the undercard of an already star-studded event in Riyadh.

Daniel Dubois Ruled Out Of Title Fight, Joseph Parker’s New Challenger Announced

Daniel Dubois has been officially ruled out of his title clash with Joseph Parker. Dubois was set to defend his IBF heavyweight title for the first time against Parker this weekend at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The bout was slated to be part of the undercard for the highly anticipated undisputed light […]

Daniel Dubois has been officially ruled out of his title clash with Joseph Parker.

Dubois was set to defend his IBF heavyweight title for the first time against Parker this weekend at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The bout was slated to be part of the undercard for the highly anticipated undisputed light heavyweight rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol.

However, rumors swirled on Thursday that “Dynamite” was under the weather and undergoing medical evaluation. As uncertainty loomed over his participation, three potential replacements — Lawrence Okolie, David Adeleye, and Mourad Aliev — reportedly emerged as contenders to step in on short notice.

After much speculation, The Ring, owned by Turki Alalshikh, confirmed after the event’s pre-fight press conference that Dubois had been officially ruled out of his clash with Parker. In a surprising twist, heavyweight contender Martin Bakole was announced as his short-notice replacement.

Bakole is on a 10-fight winning streak, last showcasing his power in August with a dominant fifth-round knockout over Jared Anderson. The 31-year-old Congolese boxer holds a professional record of 21-1, with 16 of his victories coming by knockout.

Meanwhile, Parker enters the bout riding a five-fight winning streak, most recently edging out Zhilei Zhang via majority decision in March 2024. The 33-year-old New Zealander last tasted defeat in September 2022 against Joe Joyce. With a professional record of 35-3, Parker has secured 23 of his victories by knockout.